PepsiCo is expanding its portfolio with the nationwide launch of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola, a move designed to align with shifting consumer health trends and accelerate product innovation. This rollout follows a successful limited-time offering in late 2025 that sold out in 30 hours. The new formulation targets a primary category hurdle—taste skepticism—by maintaining a traditional cola profile while offering a nutritional breakdown of 30 calories, 5 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of fiber.
Early performance data for Pepsi’s “Same Taste” :15 spot indicates the success of the launch and creative.
Here’s what iSpot’s Creative Assessment platform revealed on actual viewer response to the spot.
The Details:
- Pepsi’s :15 “Same Taste” for the new Pepsi Prebiotic Cola earned overall response (Ace Score) in the 64th percentile (+25 pts vs norm) within the non-alcoholic beverage category (past 90-day benchmarks), placing it just above the category midpoint. This suggests a competent but not a competitively breakthrough execution:
- Information (+113 pts over norm) and Change (+65 pts) were the ad’s standout component scores confirming successful communication of the new option and shifting consumer perceptions.
- The product-centric :15 informed viewers and emotionally engaged. The top emo, Thirsty (firing at a strong level), represents a functional rather than emotional response but the Surreal spot did spark Curiosity about the product – the main goal for a launch creative.
- Appeal was at- to above-norm across age/gender, with female viewers indicating higher interest in “Same Taste.” Moreover, the product itself (cited as the Single Best Thing by 32% of viewers) drove trial/visit interest among 57% of all viewers (outpacing the category benchmark by +9 pts).
- Although Pepsi branding was exceptional, only 14% recalled the Prebiotic product specifically when asked to name the advertised product, reflecting a gap in differentiation vs other Pepsi ads/products.
- Information (+113 pts over norm) and Change (+65 pts) were the ad’s standout component scores confirming successful communication of the new option and shifting consumer perceptions.
- Second-by-second trace results show engagement converging at the delivery of the new Prebiotic offering and benefits. Older viewer engagement settled a bit while those 16-20 became a bit more engaged:
- Viewer sentiment on the :15 “Great Taste” suggests that Curiosity was real, but broad-based conversion will likely require addressing taste skepticism and positioning confusion head-on, as a moderate portion of viewers still expressed cognitive dissonance about prebiotics in soda. These viewers did not buy into the concept of a ‘healthy soda’ or that prebiotics were best delivered via soda (despite competitive entries in the market).
- Linked to the competitive entries that have preceded it, many viewers assumed prebiotics would negatively impact taste, perhaps pointing to the classic “Challenge” or other trial invitation for a stronger proof point on taste. Alternatively, some viewers wanted more explanation about what prebiotics are and why they are needed, suggesting more education could assist while also proving out the better taste claim. Although the ad included benefits such as fewer calories and lower sugar, the prebiotic ‘why’ was largely missing in this short-form spot.
- The visuals and music were both referenced as sources of engagement and attention while some might have enjoyed some human elements in the spot.
- Although part of the audience appeared unsure if the ad was targeting health-conscious soda drinkers or soda-loving health seekers, many viewers expressed genuine curiosity and willingness to try – as well as brand love. This confirms the spot successfully tapped into the rising prebiotic/gut health trend while the Pepsi reputation and loyalty represented an advantage.
- Viewer sentiment on the :15 “Great Taste” suggests that Curiosity was real, but broad-based conversion will likely require addressing taste skepticism and positioning confusion head-on, as a moderate portion of viewers still expressed cognitive dissonance about prebiotics in soda. These viewers did not buy into the concept of a ‘healthy soda’ or that prebiotics were best delivered via soda (despite competitive entries in the market).
Sample comments on the “Great Taste” :15
“I’m not a fan of these probiotic drinks because, although it may say Pepsi, it’s the taste that will be different. The prebiotic drinks taste like medicine regardless of it being advertised as Pepsi. I’d rather take prebiotic capsules instead.”
Female 50+
“I think the colors are eye-catching, but more importantly, I see a company traditionally rooted in unhealthy habits dipping their toes in the health conscious community.”
Female 21-35
“I think the ad is attention grabbing. It’s a good time to bring this ad out since almost everybody is coming out with a prebiotic soda.”
Male 50+
“I LOVE love love Pepsi, and even more, I love prebiotics. I really hope this product is real. I will be purchasing.”
Female 16-20
“The music was uplifting and a good choice. The drink looks good. I have mixed feelings as I’m concerned it might affect the taste.”
Male 21-35
“I liked it. The commercial was cool. It had the name brand, and new information about a soda, including prebiotics in its product. I’d try it for sure.”
Male 36-49
“I absolutely love Pepsi products!! I had no idea that they had this new prebiotic Pepsi! I definitely want to try this now!! Great ad!!”
Female 36-49
“The ‘healthy soda’ fad is ridiculous. I also cannot stand the artificial sweeteners demonization.”
Male 21-35
“Absolutely ridiculous and unnecessary. If you need prebiotics that badly, just DON’T drink soda.”
Male 36-49
“It confused me. What is a prebiotic cola? Pepsi is my favorite brand, but I think this could have been explained better.”
Female 50+
“I was intrigued to hear about prebiotic Pepsi soda, but want to know more about what it actually is or does for you.”
Female 16-20
“The advertiser wants us to know that they created a Pepsi without any artificial sweeteners and they’ve put prebiotics in the Pepsi, making it healthier.”
Male 16-20
“I don’t drink much pop, but have a lot of gut issues. This product is definitely something I’ll try just to see how it tastes, if nothing more.”
Male 36-49
“I love Pepsi. It’s one of my favorite drinks, but I’m not really sure if this kind of Pepsi will even taste good.”
Female 21-35
“I would love to try this. And I can drink it. It has no sugar. That’s even better for me. I will be finding them in the stores soon. Thank you Pepsi.”
Female 36-49
- Within the broader BFY beverage landscape over the past 180 days, “Same Taste” outpaced the Poppi Super Bowl LX “Vibes Thing,” but trailed the top-tier breakthrough of Poppi “Changed It for the Better” and a recent Olipop spot, as well as Starbucks’ protein offer:
- Although highly informative, “Same Taste” did not have a competitive advantage in this regard as the other ads neutralized this strength.
- However, “Same Taste” remained highly competitive in lower-funnel conversion. Pepsi’s 57% Top 2 Box intent tied that developed by the Poppi “Changed It for the Better” (57%) creative and closely followed Olipop (59%), both of which were more stylized, but still informative ads. Olipop took the tie-in route with the latest SpongeBob release.
- Although highly informative, “Same Taste” did not have a competitive advantage in this regard as the other ads neutralized this strength.
- The brand has an opportunity to better engage younger males in future campaigns to capture total market share, as Olipop and Poppi “Changed It” enjoyed triple-digit strength among males 16-35:
- The alternative “better for you” spots resonated far more successfully across all ethnic audiences, representing a strategic opportunity.
Pepsi’s Super Bowl LX “Vibes Thing” spot for Poppi ranked 37th among the 61 whistle-to-whistle ads airing during the Big Game:
Ineffective creative, even if delivered to the right audience, results in missed opportunity and performance shortfalls. Great creative delivered poorly also results in failed campaigns.
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Creative Agency: TBWA\Chiat\Day